James Smurthwaite, who died at Middlesbrough on October 20, 1989, aged 73, played in seven matches for Yorkshire in 1938 and 1939. He was a fast-medium swing bowler who could switch to quickish off-breaks when the conditions were right. At Bramall Lane in June 1939, he and Frank Smailes caused a sensation by routing Derbyshire for 20 on a rain-affected pitch after Yorkshire themselves had been dismissed by the Pope brothers for 83. Smurthwaite was the chief executioner with the remarkable figures of five for 7 in 4.2 eight-ball overs. In Derbyshire's second innings, Smailes took all ten wickets for 47, well supported by Smurthwaite, who kept up the pressure at the other end. After a weekend in the headlines, he then withdrew to the obscurity of the Minor Counties Championship, in which he took 36 wickets at 12.94 for Yorkshire's Second Eleven that season. After the war he played for many years with success as a professional in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League.
Wisden Cricketers' Almanack

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